The New Orleans Saints finished the regular season as one of the best teams in the NFL, with a 13-3 record — just the fourth time in team history that they’ve won so many games. Unfortunately, the Saint ultimately fell to the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs. We’re not going to let that get in the way of appreciating how well they played last season.
We narrowed the list down to the top seven most-deserving players. Awards for the season will include Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, Comeback Player, Breakout Player, and top rookies on offense, defense and special teams for the 2019 season. Without further ado, here’s who we’ve selected:
Most Valuable Player: WR Michael Thomas
Thomas set the all-time record for most receptions in a single NFL season with 149, breaking the previous record of 143 set by Marvin Harrison back in 2002. Thomas’ feat is even more spectacular when considering that backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater started five games in Drew Brees’ absence with a thumb injury. New Orleans’ offensive scheme started and ended with targeting Thomas all over the field through the air, and as such, he is an easy choice for the 2019 Saints MVP award.
Most Improved Player: S Vonn Bell
Despite missing three games down the stretch this season with a knee injury, the defensive back nearly led the team in snaps a year after playing second-fiddle to Kurt Coleman. He took full advantage of the opportunity and helped transform himself into a ball-hawk. In 13 games this season, Bell was able to force two fumbles, while recovering five (most among the NFL’s defenders), returning one for a touchdown. Tack on his first career interception, and Bell showed a knack for being exactly where the ball was whenever the opposing offense made a mistake. He will be a priority for the Saints to re-sign in free agency.
Comeback Player: DE Marcus Davenport
Davenport bounced back very well from his rookie year turf toe injury, even if his second season was also cut short after an unlucky foot issue. Prior to his exit in December, the starting defensive end was going on a tear. According to Pro Football Focus, before his injury Davenport was tied with T.J. Watt for 11th-best at his position, a marked improvement from his 2018 ranking of 48th. If Davenport can stay healthy for an entire season, he could very well be one of the best edge rushers in the league. That type of production would be vindication for the Saints who traded up to get him 14th in the 2018 NFL draft.
Breakout Player: QB Taysom Hill
Hill’s utilization in 2018 was limited to special teams play, and a few gimmick plays on offense to throw off opposing defenses. With a lack of offensive playmakers in 2019, Hill saw an expanded role that featured him often as a receiver. Hill was able to record a rushing touchdown and caught an additional seven touchdowns (including the playoffs). Those seven touchdown catches gave him more scores than the likes of Julian Edelman, Zach Ertz, and Julio Jones. Hill’s production as a third-string quarterback was unexpected and arguably ground-breaking. His restricted free agency will be worth keeping an eye on this offseason.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: C Erik McCoy
McCoy was tasked with a large amount of responsibility in his rookie year when he was asked to take over for the recently retired Max Unger. McCoy was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, but has played like a veteran despite being a rookie. His name has even been mentioned in NFL Rookie of the Year award talks. Playing nearly every snap in 2019, McCoy gained valuable experience in helping direct the offense from the line of scrimmage, for one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL. Fans and the team should expect even bigger things from him come his sophomore campaign.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson was not afforded many opportunities in the early going of the season until Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. That coincided with his first career start due to a suspension to P.J. Williams. Since that game, Gardner-Johnson has been heavily relied upon in the secondary, and looks set to have an expanded role in 2020.
Special Teams Rookie of the Year: KR/PR Deonte Harris
Harris was an absolute no-brainer for the award. The undrafted free agent quickly assumed the role of kick and punt returner, and by the end of the season has garnered enough votes to become a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro. Harris was the best return specialist in the NFL in 2019, and boasted a 9.4 yards per punt return, and 26.8 yards per kickoff return. He was able to add a punt return touchdown to his resume in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks which helped set the tone early on.
